Joe D'Ambrose, '08

Sociology
Economics
Middletown, Connecticut

Joe D'Ambrose '08 of Middletown, CT, embraced Bryant's integration of business and liberal arts courses that offers students the skills and tools they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

D’Ambrose started at Bryant studying finance but soon decided that a greater emphasis on the liberal arts would give him more of the skills he would need to become a successful entrepreneur. While business skills are important, he said, being able to think holistically about the world is vital.

"I think it is important, especially in business, to figure out how people work and how the greater world is working," said D'Ambrose, who was among the first class to graduate with a degree in sociology.

His growing knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit, led him to create several companies while still a student. As part of a Business 101 class, D'Ambrose and three friends created Expedient Laundry, which still provides door-to-door professional laundry service to Bryant students. He also co-founded a website design business in 2004 called Normal Kings.

He describes his entrepreneurial mindset as “just taking an idea, putting it into action and creating work."

D’Ambrose noted, "I was able to major in the liberal arts but still get a really strong business base," which will be valuable when he pursues an advanced degree in business in the future.

According to The Business Report, 60 percent of the nation's CEOs have liberal arts degrees.

Along with superior academic programs, it was the sense of community and the chance to get involved that made Bryant a perfect fit, said D'Ambrose. He was a member of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) at Bryant that has sponsored "Elevator Pitch" competitions where students have only about a minute to sell someone on the benefits of their business idea.

D’Ambrose hosted a radio show on WJMF, was the webmaster for the Finance Association, and worked with a group of students to develop a Sociology Organization.

In addition, he wrote his honors thesis on his experience with the laundry business combined with sociology and economics, which he described as "The Economics of the Group Dynamic in an Entrepreneurial Setting."

The synergy between the business school and the arts and sciences at Bryant provides a well-rounded education that is essential for future success.

"It is a perfect mix of abilities and skills that I know I need for graduate school or whatever I chose to do in the future," said D'Ambrose.

D'Ambrose now heads Palm Tree Creative, which has grown into one of Connecticut’s leading Web site design, Internet marketing, and creative studios. That company grew out of Normal Kings, the Web site design business he founded with a friend freshman year.

"As an entrepreneur managing a growing business,” said D’Ambrose, “I believe my education in sociology helped me become a broad thinker and adapt myself and my mindset to overcome challenges and see the whole picture."